*Re-edited version 10/20/12*

I wrote this very unsteadily then re-edited it about three times and I'm still not satisfied, but I promised for another update. Sorry for mistakes or confusion. I hope I didn't miss anything important. Oh, I have implication of boyxboy. If you have any pairings you like from EXO, please tell me, I want to hear your opinions. Leave a comment or subscribe if you want more of this story. :)

The different color in text is just to help differentiate everyone.

(Alaina's POV)

I could hear urgent, bantering voices speaking as I floated in the darkness. For once, it wasn't a dream, but it seemed I was forced to keep aware of my surroundings like I was eavesdropping (unintentionally).

"Taem, you're forever bounded to her. It is irreversible. You know every aspect about this communion. You're bonded to a human!"

"This has never been done before. Guardians, Inhumans, Exotics, even demons have never been bonded to...to someone with a shorter lifespan than themselves."

"She's not a demon!"

"You may not know that."

"But you felt something when you touched her! Besides, a demon hunted her last night. Why would a demon want to hunt another demon for dinner? It makes no sense. She's either a Guardian, Inhuman, or Exotic."

"Whatever the case is, the ritual has already taken place and cannot be undone...it is until death."

"You would know, you're bonded to Jonghyun-hyung for the rest of your life - which is pretty long."

"Ne, I love him no matter the circumstances."

"Love..."

"Taemin...you honestly can't think- Isn't it a side effect to act all lovey-dovey during the first few months of communion? Kibum and Jonghyun-hyung were like that."

Someone scoffed. "What are you talking about, babo? We're still lovey-dovey."

"And we still hate it."

Beginning to feel conscious, I stirred. A collective exhale escaped my parted lips.

"Shh, Key-umma, Minho-hyung, she's waking up."

Someone sighed. "Taemin, Minho, go wait in the nurse's office, araso? I'll explain things to her."

"But-"

"Go, Taemin, before I force Minho to drag you out."

Something soft pressed against my forehead. The warmth enveloped around my left hand abated.

...

My eyes swam as they opened, my vision re-focusing. I was tucked in a white-sheeted bed, a blue curtain spread around to create a private area.

Someone beautiful and composed sat patiently in the armchair parallel to the bed.

Key glimpsed up when I exhaled more loudly. Slowly I sat up.

"Whoa there." Key sprang to his feet to assist me. I flinched at his proximity and he retracted his hand cautiously as if I was a frightened animal. I situated myself in a sitting position, leaning back against the puff of pillows.

"I didn't mean to startle you," Key said sincerely. "Do you remember who I am?"

Not looking at him, I nodded slightly. My voice was a whisper, "You're Kim Kibum."

Key nodded. "Just call me Key." He was quiet for a second before saying in a low voice, "Do you recall what happened with you and Taemin?"

Images replayed in my mind, but I raised my left hand for proof.

The ringlet tattoo branded my pale skin - a stunningly designed ring. If I squinted closer, I could see the little inscriptions and engravings.

I started shaking again.

Ignoring the spark upon contact, Key rubbed my shoulder soothingly.

"What is this?" I demanded breathlessly.

"A permanent brand that indicates an unbreakable bond between the two marked. A bond a hundred times more severe than a human's concept of marriage."

I finally looked up to gaze at his flawless face. "You keep saying 'human' like you're not one. Are-are you a guardian?"

Key raised a brow. "I'm surprised you guessed right."

"The demon said it to-to Taemin" - the name made me blush involuntarily - "and I could hear you and the other two talk about it while I was passed out."

"You heard us?" Key was alarmed.

"I've never exactly experienced oblivion," I admitted softly but glumly.

Key scratched his cheek. "Ne, well, you see. The meaning behind the tattoo basically says you've found your...soulmate."

I reacted big-time.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN LEE TAEMIN IS MY-"

Key immediately clamped his hand over my mouth. "You're lucky we're alone," he grumbled.

"That-that is preposterous! Lee Taemin cannot be my-" I couldn't even finish my sentence. My hands fisted the blankets at this absurdity.

"Nothing you do will defy fate. What's done is done, but I do find it suspicious that a guardian has bonded with a mere human," Key mused, his gaze trying to decipher any clues in my flustered face.

"I-I heard you before. I swear I'm not a demon, but after all this craziness, I'm not sure if I'm even human anymore," I confessed. I stared at my clenched hands.

Key frowned. "What makes you think that? And do you even know what you could be?"

"Do...Inhumans or Exotics have powers?"

"Not specifically, only those with qualities of becoming a guardian," answered Key then backtracked. "Wait. You have powers?"

Pursing my lips troublesomely, I debated whether or not to explain it to him. I sighed and relented. "Give me your hand," I asked resignedly.

"What are you going to do?" Key asked, wary.

"Some reading."

Tentatively, Key grasped my hand with his. That surge of energy coursed through us upon touch. I closed my eyes, filtering through the overwhelming information.

I murmured distantly, "You're confused, muddled, but composing yourself to figure things out. You don't like it when I keep throwing you off guard. You're constantly thinking about your group, SHINee, very closely because you love them as your family. You want to keep them out of danger and care for them deeply. Out of all of them...you love this one person very much, more than your own life. His name is...Jonghyun. You cherish every single day you spend with your family. I can hear laughing and singing and smell cooking."

Key's jaw slackened, eyes flecked wide. He stuttered, "How did - did you - what was that?"

I settled his hand gently on the bedsheets. "I even have weird dreams, like premonitions or flashbacks. And I can literally enter other people's dreams and communicate with them that way."

"Aigoo, that's amazing," murmured Key in awe. "I've heard powers like those that are very sacred and only appear every few centuries. You remind me of my leader because his powers are exceptional, too. Your powers are more mental than physical." Key his lips. "I think...you may be a guardian."

I rubbed the crease between my forehead. "That's just great," I muttered sarcastically. "I've only been in Seoul for three days and I find out I'm not human. Being a guardian isn't...like being an alien, is it?"

Key chuckled at my choice of words. "Ani. But if you are a guardian - or at least with the qualities of one - you need to be trained and taught." Key edged away from the bed, closer to the curtain. "I think it's time we ended our discussion. Taeminnie here is impatient."

Key swept back the curtain to reveal a beaming Taemin and resigned Minho. I blushed at the adoring look Taemin gave me.

The boy nearly pranced to my bedside. "Are you feeling better?" he asked me, acting like we didn't have an argumentative round of tag earlier. He was positively smiling and radiant.

I stammered, "N-ne. W-what time is it?"

"Past five," answered Minho, crossing his arms. "You were passed out for about half an hour and you and Key were talking a little more than that."

A lightbulb blinked on in my head. "I have to go to work around six!" Darnit, I could've finished any homework during the time I wasted sleeping and gone to work. I sprang off the bed and shouldered my schoolbag that was on the armchair. My uniform was slightly creased but still presentable to appear in.

Taemin stepped in front of me. "Wait! Shouldn't you rest more?"

"I'm fine," I told him and brushed past him. My heart had thumped irregularly when Taemin expressed his concern about my health.

The three boys followed me when I checked up with the nurse and was allowed to leave under precaution of my well-being. Taemin tugged on my blazer sleeve when we reached the school's front entrance.

"Key-umma will drive you to work," he told me. "You don't have to take the bus."

"Er..."

"I'll do it!" Key said, not bothered, so I thanked them and got into their fancy car.

"Nice ride," I muttered to myself. "Are you rich, Kibum? I mean Key."

Key smiled at me in the rear-view mirror. "You can say that. We all live together, you know. SHINee."

"I think I read that from you."

"Taemin eavesdropped during that time," said Minho nonchalantly from the passenger seat. "He was so jealous."

Taemin's ears turned pink. "I wasn't!"

"Did you know Taemin held your hand when you were passed out?" Minho told me with a teasing smile. I blushed and edged away from Taemin next to me. He pouted when I did.

At the mention of my hand, I glanced at the tattoo. "Do you know what these little scribbles mean - aside from the decorative parts?"

"It has your name and your soulmate's name," explained Key. "It's written in Almighty Script. The most sacred language in the Reversed World."

I had so many questions everytime I received an answer, but I would have to learn steadily.

"I heard you and this Jonghyun person are bonded, but where's your tattoo?" I asked Key curiously.

Driving with only his right hand, Key raised his left so I could see. There was nothing at first before something flickered around his ring finger. Basic ink-black design but with different letters. It disappeared as if it was cloaked. "Don't worry about hiding the tattoo, human eyes can't see it unless you give them permission, but I hid it just in case some demon might see it."

I glanced at Minho. "Are you bonded?"

He chuckled. "Ani. It's very uncommon for a person to find their soulmate. You have to be within skin-in-skin contact for the ritual to activate. Maybe one out of a ten thousand citizens in the Reversed World ever find their soulmate. They may spend many years together before finding out they are."

Taemin smiled at me. "I guess we're lucky to find each other, huh?"

I bit my bottom lip awkwardly. "Y-yeah."

We arrived on the street where Park's Little Town cafe resided. I quickly got out of the car and crossed the street.

And my so-called soulmate and his two hyungs trailed after me.

"What are you doing?" I hissed at them, my hand paused on the handle of the front door.

Taemin blinked at me innocently. "Just wanted to see where my soulmate worked."

"Well you see it. Shoo." They didn't budged and I relented, letting them enter with me. The smell of sweets and coffee was comforting.

"Alaina!" called Chunhei, coming forward with a tray in her hand. "I thought you wouldn't make it!" She sounded slightly scolding and slightly relieved.

As Taemin, Key, and Minho peered about in the cafe, I went behind the counter. "I kinda got dizzy at school and had to stay behind until it passed," I lied smoothly. "Those three are my classmates. I think they want to stay a bit."

"Tell them to order something, then," she huffed at me, but leaned closer to whisper, "They're kinda cute. Is one of them your boyfriend?"

Mortified by the suggestive comment, I blushed and shook my head feverishly. "N-not really! I'll go get my apron!" I ducked away from her as she laughed in amusement.

I returned to the front with an apron tied firmly around my waist and my hair clipped back from my face. Taemin, Key, and Minho were sitting at a booth.

"You guys want anything?" I asked them politely, readying my notepad and pen.

"I want decaf coffee and a slice of strawberry cheesecake!" announced Key merrily. He liked it here, from the cute artwork to the little homey decorations.

"Black coffee and strawberry cheesecake," said Minho with a smile.

"Banana milk and chocolate chip cookies!" chirped Taemin.

I rolled my eyes at their cheerful expressions and went to fix their orders.

...

(Key's POV)

"Will Jonghyun-hyung and Onew-hyung be mad when they find out we ate sweets without them?" wondered Taemin aloud, tapping his chin.

"Onew-hyung will definitely find out," added Minho dryly. "His powers are impossible to ignore."

Key absently played with a piece of napkin. "Who cares. When we tell them our little Taeminnie found his lovely soulmate, they'll forget about it." He didn't mention he had turned off his phone because his precious dino-face had been sending him pestering text messages, wondering why he hadn't returned home yet. Key's eyes sparkled with a sudden idea. "We have to bring her to the house sometime and introduce Alaina to them!"

...

(Taemin's POV)

At the mention of his soulmate, Taemin turned his attention to her.

Alaina's slender figure flitted about behind the counter and the little kitchen area. Her eyes were focused and composed as she worked diligently, brewing coffee and cutting even slices of cheesecake. She organized the platters and ceramic cups onto a tray and brought it over to their table.

Taemin was smiling at her gently as she passed out the food. In his eyes, she was very beautiful and motherly.

Key took a bite of the cheesecake and his eyes grew wide. "Th-this is delicious! Who made this?"

Amused by his reaction, Alaina inclined her chin at the elderly lady by the cash register. "That would be Chungcha-ah. It's her homemade recipe. She's the owner of the cafe."

"That women and I need to talk baking," Key said earnestly.

Alaina smiled tenderly. "Enjoy the food. I gotta go ring up orders."

Taemin watched her go. While he was eating, and since she didn't notice, Taemin continued to watch his soulmate captivatedly. He detected more habits and actions of hers.

An obvious: Alaina evaded skinship the most of all. She never reached out to touch someone and edged away when someone was too close. Taemin didn't know exactly why but he would ask her later. When Alaina lapsed into a reverie, she would wear this thoughtful, blank mask on. Her pretty chocolate-colored eyes would darken when she was focused on a task and she would constantly purse her lips when she was troubled. That lip-pursing habit reminded Taemin of his best friend Kai. Kai was also a guardian but from a different region and group.

I wonder if I should tell Kai that I found a soulmate? mused Taemin. Will he be jealous? I know he has some friends who are soulmates. I haven't spoke to him in a while. I wonder if he still dances...

...

(Alaina's POV)

Chungcha insisted that I eat her sandwiches for dinner. I didn't complain, her homemade sandwiches were the best.

I sat by the counter, nibbling on my food as I cleared away my homework. The boys were still present, conversing as they waited for me. Apparently Key wanted to drive me home. I knew it for Taemin's ease of mind.

So easy, I thought lazily as I wrote a three page essay in a breeze.

"Homework?" asked an angelic voice by my ear.

I froze then unfroze. "Taemin, don't do that," I said in a small voice. "I might get a heart attack one day."

"You don't squeal or jump like normal girls," he observed as he sat on the adjacent stool.

"I'm not like other girls," I replied obviously, gathering my paperwork into a folder. "I like being quiet and alone."

"Don't you hate being lonely?" he asked me, his brows furrowed. He didn't like how I implied that I didn't even want my soulmate's company.

I paused for a second as I pondered. "Sometimes," I admitted, "but, to me, I've always been alone. Even back in Japan."

"How old are you?" he asked me suddenly.

I blinked at him. "I'm seventeen."

Taemin propped his elbow on the counter casually. "I'm eighteen. How are you a senior already?"

"I skipped to grades," I said, a tad bit proudly but then deflated. "But I started school late as a kid."

"Why?"

"I-" I stopped myself. Should I tell him that I'm an orphan? "I didn't have the money to go to school back then. Even now I'm only in SM Academy because of the exchange program is paying for everything."

Taemin rolled his eyes. "SM Academy likes showing people how much money they have. It's nothing new." He watched as I rearranged the items in my schoolbag. "So do you like it here in Seoul or back in Tokyo?"

I contemplated for a long time. Taemin could read the obvious indecision etched on my face.

"I don't know," I murmured distantly. "I like experiencing new things in new places, but Tokyo...is where my life had always been the same. It's my home, yes, but sometimes I wonder if I had a future there." My thoughts wandered to Yuki and Ayano and the orphanage. Unconsciously, my hand rubbed the pendent at my collarbone. Would I have accepted Yuki's marriage proposal? Would he and I be working hard labor to only redirect our lives back to the orphanage?

"Who gave you that necklace?" blurted out Taemin.

I saw a hint of jealousy and irritation in his bright eyes. "M-my childhood friend gave it to me as a farewell present. He worked hard to earn the money."

Taemin's eyes were disapproving when I said 'he'.

"He was my only friend back home," I said, defending Yuki's position.

Narrowed eyes. "Nothing else?"

I swallowed. "Ne."

Taemin beamed. "Good. Because you only need me now!"

Sighing, I face-palmed myself at Taemin's point of view. I didn't mean to cast away Yuki carelessly.

It was only a little later when Chungcha told me I could retire early. She said to take it easy on my first day from school and make sure to get a fitful rest. All four of us thanked the older lady and drove to my apartment. Only about eight minutes versus fifteen on foot.

"That demon I slayed attacked Alaina in that alley," muttered Taemin during the car ride. The alley was closed off by some police tape.

I shuddered at those frightful memories. Taemin reached out to comfort me but he remembered my evasion of skinship and reluctantly dropped his hand.

Key and Minho exchanged concerned glances.

"So, er, this is where I live," I said as we entered my apartment. Dull and uninviting.

"How long have you've been here again?" asked Minho as he and Key wandered around. They checked the windows, walls, doors, etc.

"Three days. Nothing exciting, I know," I said glumly as I tossed my schoolbag on the couch. It wasn't like I ever experienced luxury. "The program only paid for what I need to live."

"What are parent's opinion about you living in a shabby apartment?" Key questioned skeptically.

I winced but evened out my hurt expression by looking languid. "They let me do what I want as long as I don't do anything stupid."

Parents. Never had them in my life, but I probably did, once upon a time.

"You guys can head home now," I dismissed them. "I'm just going to take a shower and go to bed. I'm pretty exhausted."

"Maybe because Taemin chased you all around the school," Key said pointedly, glaring at the boy.

Taemin cleared his throat. "I - uh - if I hadn't then we wouldn't have realized she was my soulmate!" he protested.

Minho rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Let's go." He bowed his head at me. "Thank you for letting us accompany you to the cafe. I had a nice time. See you tomorrow for school."

Key patted my head. "See you, sweet pea. Make sure to come to school with a smile."

Taemin was last to leave, he and I stared at each other in awkward silence.

I fidgeted. "Night, Taemin," I said, breaking the silence.

Taemin re-animated with his radiant smile. Somehow it felt more meaningful with that loving gleam in his eyes. Only for me.

"Sweet dreams," he told me and winked, "of me."

"Taemin, hurry up!" Key called out from outside.

Taemin hastily gave me a quick hug and ran off before he felt Key's wrath. I waved goodbye and shut my door.

Did...did all that really just happen?

...

(SHINee's POV)

"Uh oh," muttered Key when he parked in the front of their house. The lights were on inside, blaring through the windows.

Warily, the three of them filed out of the car and unenthusiastically treaded up to the front door.

The door opened before Minho could touch the doorknob. A fuming Jonghyun stood before them. Key skittishly hid behind Minho's broad back.

"Get in," called a musical voice behind Jonghyun. They quickly shuffled inside.

Jonghyun immediately blew a fuse when he shut the door.

"KIM KIBUM! WHY DID YOU IGNORE ME BY TURNING OFF YOUR PHONE, HUH?"

Key covered his ears and continued to ignore the ranting Jonghyun.

Jonghyun, his handsome, lovable, dino-faced soulmate.

All four of them met up with the last member and leader of SHINee. He was in the living room, sitting lazily in an armchair.

"So where were you three all day, hm?" Onew inquired, bored, his chin resting against his fist. "Since Kibum turned off his phone, confiscated Taemin's, and Minho left his phone to die, we couldn't contact any of you."

Minho nudged Taemin with his elbow. The youngest stepped forward reluctantly. "Uh, you see, hyung... Well look." Taemin held up his left hand.

The expressions on the eldest two guardians were wiped clean. They stared at the tattooed ring for a tense moment and exchanged glances.

"You could have told me THIS!" ranted Jonghyun. "I was worried SICK and the three you were hanging out with Taem's soulmate!"

"Who is Taemin's soulmate?" asked Onew curiously.

"An exchange student from Japan," said Taemin eagerly. "She's the most beautiful girl I've ever met! She has the most soothing voice ever and the way her eyes-"

Key clamped his hand over Taemin's babbling mouth. "Side effect of the bond. He can't stop thinking about her."

Onew chuckled. "We know since your soulmate seems to be hurt by your cold shoulder."

Jonghyun had deserted them and ran upstairs to sulk. Key ran after him to apologize. Onew only laughed more.

Minho slumped onto the sofa with a huff. "We have some concerns about Taemin's soulmate."

Onew glanced at Taemin who was daydreaming about Alaina. "Tell me," he demanded.

So Minho explained with every detail he had, telling the story from the beginning when he had bumped into Alaina at the front office.

...

(Alaina's POV)

In the silence of my bedroom, I tossed and turned in my bed. The room was dark, the faint light was the moonlight seeping through the window drapes. Despite the multiple blankets tucked around me securely, I felt cold and uncomfortable. I was restless and tired. Sleep eluded me. My alarm clock read ten 'o clock.

Letting out a groan, I forcibly shut my eyes but I did not sink into darkness.

Moments later, my nerves alerted me of a presence.

"Whoa! Alaina, it's me!"

I loosened my terrified hold on his shirt front. My breathing was labored from fear.

"Taemin," I gasped. "What are you doing in my bedroom. I thought you went home?!" My voice pitched but I suppressed myself from shouting.

Taemin sheepishly disheveled his hair. His profile in the dim moonlight was as breathtaking as it was during the night of our first encounter. I blushed when I realized I was wearing sweatpants and a camisole.

"Mianhae," he apologized gently. "I couldn't stop thinking about you and snuck out of the house. Everyone was too occupied to notice. Oh, and I recommend fixing a bolt on your door. I easily opened it when I swiped my credit card though the crevice."

"You're not supposed to break into someone's home anyway," I mumbled, pulling my covers closer to my chest. "Why are you here? Is it a side effect of the bond?"

"Ne," he admitted. In the darkness, his eyes glinted and shined like a twinkling star in the night sky. "Do you feel the side effects?"

I was about to say no when I thought better of it. I recalled my strange behavior ever since I returned home. I couldn't sleep or stop thinking about today's events.
 
Taemin. Taemin was always on my mind. I yearned to hear his voice when it had only been a few hours since I heard it. Now that he was sitting at my bedside, I felt calmer, more reassured. And of course his presence brought forth flustered feelings and caused me to blush more than usual but I felt better.

I sighed. "I think it's what you call separation anxiety."

"I know," Taemin said softly, his hand crept forward to touch my fingertips. A warm current churned my stomach. "I think hyungs would understand if they don't see me tomorrow morning. Because... I want to stay here with you."

"Like permanently?"

Taemin chuckled, playing with my fingers since I didn't pull away. Pleasant shivers ran up my spine. "I wish, but they probably wouldn't allow that." He glanced up to meet my gaze, dazing each other. "So...can I sleep here?"

"Here, in my boring, old apartment?" I questioned skeptically.

"I don't mind as long as I'm with you," he only replied honestly. His frankness tugged at my heartstrings.

"But what about school-"

"I brought an overnight bag with everything," he said, pointing at the ground where a duffel bag laid.

"Araso," I allowed tentatively, "I have a spare room-"

"Ani! I want to sleep with you!"

When Taemin heard my stunned silence he clarified hastily, "I meant share the same bed!"

I clutched at my pounding chest. "Omo, you scared me for a second. But I'm not really comfortable with sharing a bed. It's really small..."

Taemin released his aegyo on me, with puppy-dog eyes to top it. I fidgeted uneasily.

"Fine," I mumbled and scooted aside to leave some room for Taemin. My willpower crumbled under little kids and aegyo. If combined...don't even get me started.

Taemin tossed his jacket aside on the bow of the bed and slipped in next to me. I stretched the space between us, which was only a few inches. I would fall off the bed if I scooted any further.

I heard Taemin sigh collectively. Suddenly an arm encircled my waist and pulled me closer.

"Taemin," I hissed a warning as he wrapped a blanket around me.

"I'm not going to do anything inappropriate," he mumbled, burying his face in my hair, inhaling my fragrant scent. My face was tucked in the crook of his neck. The smell of him was sweet and lulling. My eyelids fluttered, sleep luring me in.

"Taemin," I whispered.

"Hm?"

"Since you're holding me...I'm worried what dreams I may have."

"You can't control your powers?"

"Ani. It's very unstable."

Taemin rubbed my back soothingly and murmured, "I'll be here, yeobo, remember that."

Soulmates were always meant to be by each other. Side by side. Hand in hand. Together forever.

...